After the highly destructive “Informis Infinitas Inhumanitas”, an album that owed much to John Longstreth’s maniacal drumming, fans were left wondering what would become of ORIGIN after his departure. To some it spelled the end of the band, while others were sceptical as to what the band could accomplish without him.

Evidently, with or without John, ORIGIN remains a savage element within the Death/Grind sphere. Of course, there will be inevitable drumming comparisons and while James King is clearly quite competent behind the kit, as best demonstrated at the end of “Amoeba” and “Debased Humanity”, he relies a bit more of pure speed and aggression than other techniques used by John. Regardless, James has adapted perfectly to ORIGIN.

The band as a whole hasn’t undergone much change, the high/low vocal growls and screeches are still firmly in place and awe inspiring technical prowess is in abundance as always. The songs are slightly shorter this time around, acting as quick bursts of aggression.

Clearly not swayed by the loss of a couple of musicians, ORIGIN have released an album that should at the very least be considered in the same ranks as “Informis Infinitas Inhumanitas” and the band should continue to be embraced by longtime fans. (Online April 25, 2005)